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I've posted links to China's fast expanding Nuclear Program before, but here's an AI Summary...with "Strategic Motivation" rationale included...

Note that "Critical Thinking" can be learned...especially for someone with the ability to earn a JD degree from Notre Dame's Law School...no time like the present to get started...
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AI Overview

Based on China's ambitious nuclear power expansion plans, it is not an exaggeration to state that the country has well over 200 nuclear reactors in its development pipeline. This figure includes units that are under construction, awaiting permits, and have been officially announced.

Overview of China's nuclear program

Ambitious targets: China is pursuing the most ambitious nuclear power expansion of any country in the world. In 2019, the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) articulated a goal of reaching 200 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear generating capacity by 2035.

Projected fleet: Achieving these capacity targets would require approximately 150 new reactors by 2035, and an eventual goal of 1400 GW by 2100. If all prospective plants are built, China would surpass the United States and have the largest operational nuclear fleet in the world.

Current status: As of late 2024, China had 58 reactors in operation. It is also leading the world in reactors currently under construction, with 27 additional units underway as of December 2024.

Rapid construction pace: China has demonstrated its ability to build new reactors at an exceptionally fast pace. In the past decade, it added the same amount of nuclear capacity as the United States did over 40 years.

Breakdown of the 200+ pipeline

An analysis of China's prospective nuclear capacity from August 2024 offers a recent snapshot of the pipeline.

Announced and pre-construction: While the number of units varies over time, one analysis indicated 166 announced reactors and 43 reactors in the permitting phase, adding up to 209 projects in the planning stages alone.

Under construction: As of late 2024, an additional 27 reactors are currently being built.

Coastal focus: Following a moratorium on inland plants after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the focus has shifted to constructing new reactors along China's coast. The government recently approved the construction of 11 new coastal reactors in a single State Council meeting in August 2024.

Strategic motivation

China's massive nuclear expansion is driven by several strategic goals:

Energy security: The program aims to meet soaring energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Climate change: Nuclear power is a key component of China's plan to reach peak emissions before 2030 and become carbon neutral before 2060.

Technological leadership: China has achieved 100% domestic production of key nuclear equipment and is developing advanced fourth-generation reactor designs. It plans to export its nuclear technology, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative.
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